Commander's Log: 11 August 3302
18 Aug 2016T J Stable
****** There appears to be a glitch in the Log entry journal ******[sys]: Your data has been recovered but errors may still exist.
[sys]: Some entries may be lost.
[sys]: Retry manual log upload.
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11 August 3302
We returned to the space port where Alfredo managed to stretch his legs. I sold the Vulture back after taking and disposing of the fake transponder. Yes I lost some money on the deal, but Alfredo is free and safe.
As I plotted my next course of action -which more than likely is to take The Corbomite to the rift - Alfredo found me.
"My friend. I no thank you enough. What you do." He placed his hand over his heart "I no say words enough. You know."
I smiled. "Alfredo, it was nothing."
Truth be told I was feeling guilty; he had been located due to the message he had sent out to me! He sat down at the table with me, ordering himself a drink.
"So what will you do now?" I asked him. "Do you want me to drop you off back on my way?"
His face seemed to fall.
"I hear things" he said. "The Federation. They know I gone. They looking."
I knew that meant he couldn't go back for a while. "Maybe you need a helping hand?" he asked.
"Alfredo, I'd love to have your company, but I'm heading out into the black soon."
"The Black? You go exploring? Away from people, no? Beyond Federation arms, yes? Maybe that what I need right now."
I smiled at his enthusiasm. "Alfredo, I'm heading... Riftwards."
"I told you!" he said, keeping his voice low. "I say no go. But go you go?"
"I need to. I was close last time. I could.. This will sound crazy, but I could feel it pulling me."
He looked me squarely in the eye. "You serious about this, yes?"
"Totally. I know you don't want to go there. i can drop you off at Maia or Ceos. Sothis?"
He finished his drink.
"When you leave?"
"Tomorrow. The route is all plotted in. The waypoints marked."
"You no leave without me, no?"
I had to laugh. "I promise. Just tell me where I'll be dropping you off."
He stood up and straightened his clothing.
"You no drop me no where. That includes some barren planet in the middle of.. It.... I see you tomorrow morning."
And with a small flourish he turned and walked off.
I guess I had a ship mate for the foreseeable future. I headed back to Corbomite to prepare a second bunk.